From June 1 to June 30, 2026, ten scholastics—Randy D. Grano, Vrent S. Kiblasen, Nguyen Van Bang, Nguyen Van Hau, Nguyen Huu Loc, Nguyen Minh Quan, Nguyen Xuan Viet, Pham Van Ky, Harold R. Tan, and Tran Vinh, CMFF—participated in the month-long La Fragua retreat in Mindanao, Philippines. It was a privileged time of grace as we prepared for our perpetual profession. More than simply fulfilling a stage of formation, the retreat became a sacred journey of renewal, inviting us to deepen our relationship with Christ, rediscover the beauty of our Claretian vocation, and freely embrace our lifelong commitment to God in the service of the Church and the Congregation.
Our La Fragua journey unfolded through its four phases. During Quid Prodest at the Martyrs of Barbastro Theology House in Quezon City, Fr. Angelito Ancla, CMF, invited us to reflect on Jesus’ question: “What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?” (Mt 16:26). We examined our lives, confronted our attachments, and rediscovered that true fulfillment is found in fidelity to God. Like Mary, we were called to surrender ourselves to God’s greater plan with renewed trust.
The second phase, Patris Mei, took place at St. Oscar Romero Community in Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay under the guidance of Fr. Eduardo Apungan, CMF. Contemplating Jesus’ intimate relationship with the Father, we realized that our missionary vocation is rooted not in our own efforts but in God’s loving initiative. We were encouraged to deepen our communion with the Father so that we may faithfully carry out His mission, especially amid difficulties and challenges.
Our pilgrimage then brought us to Basilan for Caritas Christi, where we stayed at the Fr. Eduardo Monge, CMF Community. Reflecting on Christ’s love as the source of missionary life, we renewed our commitment to live the Evangelical Counsels in community. We learned that authentic missionary discipleship is never doing mission alone. Community strengthens our fidelity, transforms our weaknesses, and sends us forth to participate together in God’s shared mission.
Returning to Zamboanga City for the final phase, Spiritus Domini, at the Nuestra Señora Virgen del Pilar Community, Fr. Alejandro Gobrin, CMF, reminded us that missionary life depends not on our own abilities but on the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This stage encouraged us to cultivate hearts that are discerning, courageous, and always available for God’s mission wherever the Congregation may send us.
The retreat concluded with sessions on Claretian Discerning Leadership led by Br. Joseph Roy Villarin, CMF, who challenged us to understand leadership as service through attentive listening, communal discernment, compassionate accompaniment, and shared responsibility in mission according to the example of Jesus, who came to serve, and not to be served.
One of the greatest gifts of the retreat was fraternity. Living together for an entire month allowed us to accompany one another through prayer, silence, reflection, and daily life. Despite our different batches, ages, cultures, personalities, and backgrounds, we experienced the joy of being united as brothers by a common vocation. We also encountered God’s providence through the generosity of our Claretian missionaries and the people in the mission areas. Although our budget was limited, we learned to practice the vow of poverty by trusting in God’s providence. The hospitality we received, especially from families who welcomed and supported us, became a concrete reminder that God never abandons those who place their trust in Him.
As our La Fragua journey came to an end, we recognized that we had not become perfect, but we had been renewed. Our hearts are filled with gratitude to God and to the Congregation for this profound experience of formation. May the fire kindled in La Fragua continue to purify our hearts, deepen our communion as brothers, and inflame within us the missionary zeal of Saint Anthony Mary Claret. As we prepare to pronounce our definitive “Yes,” we pray for the grace to remain faithful wherever we are sent, proclaiming the Gospel with humility, joy, and apostolic courage for the greater glory of God.
By: Sch. Nguyen Van Bang, CMF
